Just as back pain varies among sufferers, the treatment option that will bring the best relief also varies. A patient suffering from a decades-old football injury may heal sooner through acupuncture therapy, while another patient recovering from a recent car accident may be best treated with standard decompression therapy.

Ostir’s Dr. Jim Ludvik explains: “After conducting a physical evaluation and full orthopedic exam, we can determine what’s causing a patient’s back pain, and present the options that will best treat it. For many, a traditional chiropractic adjustment can loosen the joints and muscles to allow healing to begin. We may suggest a home care plan to continue progress with stabilizing stretches, and other exercises to lengthen muscles.

“Many back problems are aggravated by poor posture, when people work bent over their desks for eight hours a day. When shoulders are continually rolled forward, muscles can tighten over time, leading to back problems,” Ludvik explains.

Massage therapy can help. He says, “Many sufferers are overly stressed, and hold that stress in their back muscles, which are aggravated by poor posture. Massage relaxes the muscles to help release toxins and flood the afflicted area with endorphins to encourage healing and pain relief. Massage is especially effective to relieve spasms.”

Ostir also offers acupuncture, which has helped many back pain sufferers by stimulating the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, plus increase blood flow and energy within the body.

Cupping is another pain relief option, performed by a certified, trained Ostir professional. The pressure and suction of cupping targets painful areas to increase blood flow and supply oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas.